A prolonged stretch of high temperatures across California is impacting harvest conditions from Salinas to Oxnard and the Central Valley, where inland areas have reached 112°F. Crews have adjusted by starting earlier in the day, but growers report crop stress and variable quality across several commodities.
Broccoli and cauliflower fields along the coast are producing reduced sizing with more pin rot and internal defects. Lettuce crops are affected by fringe burn, mildew, and lighter weights. Strawberries show mixed results: while new-season fruit from Santa Maria and Oxnard is gaining size and firmness, older plantings in Salinas and Watsonville are producing more bruising and softness as the season winds down. Santa Maria and Oxnard are expected to reach peak output in the coming weeks.
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In Salinas, iceberg and leaf lettuces face added pressure from Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) alongside weather-related defects. Value-added lettuce items have increased in price. Romaine hearts are tight, with frequent reports of tip and fringe burn. Demand from schools reopening is further straining supplies.
Elsewhere, Mexico's tomato harvest is slowed by tropical systems and cooler nights, limiting ripening and reducing available volume. Florida growers are monitoring another potential tropical system that, combined with high humidity and scattered rainfall, could increase disease pressure on greens and herbs.
Market conditions across other categories remain mixed. Red bell peppers are scarce and prices remain high, while green bell peppers are ample with steady quality. Limes are rising sharply due to strong demand, rainfall, and a crop transition in Mexico. Citrus demand is strong, with Ventura County leading lemon supplies and Valencia oranges peaking on mid-size fruit. In Costa Rica, heavy storms are constraining pineapple exports, with crownless fruit in high demand and prices up since mid-August due to tariffs. Mexican pineapple supplies are helping to supplement demand.
Despite challenging weather, steady availability is reported across many commodities, and growers are emphasizing the importance of maintaining fast rotations and cold chain integrity to protect product quality as the back-to-school pull and Labor Day holiday approach.
© PRO*ACTFor more information:
PRO*ACT USA
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